New York Motorcycle Laws and Information
VTL § 381 (Motorcycle Equipment): "It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards as may from time to time be amended."
1. Protective Gear Requirements
New York has a mandatory helmet law and requires eye protection.
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Helmet Law: Every operator and passenger on a motorcycle must wear a protective helmet of a type that meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards (DOT-compliant).
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Eye Protection: All riders and passengers must wear protective goggles or a face shield of a type and specification approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
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Legislative Citation (Helmet and Eye Protection): New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) $\S$ 381, Subdivisions 6 and 7.
2. Required Motorcycle Equipment
Motorcycles operated on public highways must be equipped with several specific safety items.
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Brakes: Adequate brakes in good working order must be provided. Motorcycles manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1971, must be equipped with brakes acting on both the front and rear wheel.
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Lighting:
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At least one lighted headlamp in front and one on the rear must be displayed at all times (daylight and nighttime).
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One red-to-amber stop lamp.
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One adequate red reflector securely attached to the rear.
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Warning and Noise:
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A suitable and adequate bell, horn, or other signaling device.
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A suitable muffler to prevent unnecessary noise; the use of so-called "cut-outs" is prohibited. No person shall operate a motorcycle equipped with a muffler from which baffle plates or original internal parts have been removed or altered.
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Mirror: At least one mirror mounted on the handlebar.
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Legislative Citation (Equipment): New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) $\S$ 381, Subdivision 1.
3. Licensing and Registration
To operate a motorcycle legally, the owner must register the vehicle and the operator must possess the proper license.
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Registration: No motorcycle shall be operated on public highways without first being registered in accordance with the provisions of Article 15.
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License Class: A motorcycle operator must have a Class $\text{M}$ or Class $\text{MJ}$ (Junior) operator's license.
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Motorcycle Safety Program Waiver: If you already hold another class of driver's license, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will waive the motorcycle road test if you successfully complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse ($\text{BRC}$).
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Legislative Citation (Registration): New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) $\S$ 410
4. Operation (Lane Use)
A crucial rule of operation specifically for motorcycles in New York State involves lane usage.
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Lane Splitting: New York State laws prohibit "lane splitting," which is the act of a motorcycle driving between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle shall be operated in a manner to deprive any motorcyclist of the full use of a lane.
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Legislative Citation (Lane Use/Overtaking): New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) $\S$ 1122 ($\text{a}$ and $\text{b}$ apply to all vehicles, and $\S$ 1252 specifically addresses motorcycles' right to a full lane).
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The general rules of the road for lane usage apply, and the interpretation of VTL laws by enforcement agencies and courts confirms the prohibition of lane splitting. You would generally look to VTL $\S$ 1252 and the general traffic rules in Title 7 of the VTL.
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ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of New York is the state's motorcycle rights organization, known for its legislative efforts, which include campaigning to modify or repeal the mandatory helmet law.
